The forum titled “Democratic Resilience of Ukraine During War and Recovery” took place on February 11, 2025, gathering experts to discuss critical measures needed to uphold democracy in Ukraine.
Organizers: Westminster Foundation for Democracy, National Interests Protection Network «ANC», Civic Network OPORA. Kyiv Post highlighted key quotes from the speakers.
Katarina Maternova, EU Ambassador to Ukraine: “This war is our shared challenge. It is a fight for the future of not just Ukraine, but also European security. We are now witnessing European peace funds being allocated to support your defense industry”.
Sean Boyd, Deputy Head of the Canadian Mission to Ukraine: “We are always impressed by the resilience of Ukrainians. During Canada’s G7 presidency in 2025, Ukraine will remain a priority, regardless of political shifts in our government. We stand with you”.
Alex Sobel, Member of Parliament for the UK: “Your fight for democracy is our fight for democracy. You are not only defending your country but also the ideals of democracy in Europe and across the globe”.
Vitaliy Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv: “When the war ends, a third of the military will return, and they will need jobs immediately. Elections could lead to dangerous conflicts”.
Olena Shulyak, Head of the Servant of the People Party: “Elections during wartime are not feasible, especially since the military must have the right to vote and be elected. We cannot let them down”.
Iryna Gerashchenko, Co-chair of the European Solidarity Parliamentary Faction: “We are entering a very challenging time when the key principle of «Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine” is being overlooked. Where is Ukraine in all these plans?”
Serhiy Prytula, Ukrainian public and political figure: “Political parties in Ukraine are distancing themselves from civil society. True unity means no one tries to take all the credit, but rather everyone joins hands and works together for a common goal”.
Yulia «Taira» Paievska, Ukrainian serviceman and paramedic: “I see an increasing political struggle for electoral mandates. But first, let’s defeat the enemy - ensure its complete defeat. Only then can we start dividing the spoils, agreed?”
«If we do not protect our land at the front, there will be no country to hold elections in».
Olha Aivazovska, Chair of the Civic Network OPORA: “Ukraine remains in a tense phase of active conflict... but the political process has resumed. If we want to maintain global support, we must start preparing for the first post-war elections”.
Oleksandr Korniienko, First Deputy Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine: “I do not see the possibility of elections until martial law ends. The question of when and how to hold elections in Ukraine is of great interest to the world - both our allies and, unfortunately, our enemies”.